Darjeeling on the way to Sikkim to attract tourists! From the end of November, the hills are lit up with various festivals. The ten-day 'Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Ghum Winter Festival-2026' starts from November 28. The Teesta festival is held in the mountains in December. Former cricketer Anil Kumble can come. There are also carnivals, Christmas and English New Year celebrations.
Samrat Sanyal, Chairman, Tourism Wing, Confederation of Indian Industries, North Bengal, said, “Nowadays, many tourists come to the hills even in winter. Organizing various festivals during this time will enrich the tourism industry of Darjeeling Hills.”
Various festivals are going on across Sikkim to increase the attraction of tourists from home and abroad. This time, Darjeeling is going down the same path. Hills are usually empty during winter season. Many people don't want to set foot in Shail city for fear of cold. To change that idea, colorful festivals are held across the Darjeeling hills from the end of November. Will continue until the end of December. The 'Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Ghum Winter Festival-2026', starting from November 28, will showcase the amalgamation of hill heritage, culture and modern technology. This special festival will continue till December 6 under the initiative of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The festival has cultural programs, literary festivals, film screenings and many technology-based programs.
According to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway sources, there will be a special train journey from Siliguri Junction to Rangtong on December 1. 'Darjeeling International Film Festival' will be held at Ghum Open Air Museum on December 2. On December 3, an innovative program based on artificial intelligence (AI) will be organized on the moving toytrain. There will be literature festival on December 4. Heritage Run will be held on December 5 in Karshiang. The festival will conclude with a colorful cultural program at Darjeeling's crossroads on December 6. Besides this, the tea merchants will organize the 'Darjeeling Mellow Tea Festival' to highlight the famous hill tea, local crafts and folk art. The festival will also have a competition of popular music bands.
There will be carnival organized in the mountains and across the initiative of the local tourism organizations. Basically bird watching is the aim of this festival. The mountain is a paradise for colorful, perched, and nestling birds. Hornbills and various species of mountain birds can be seen during this time. Former cricketer and bird lover Anil Kumble can participate in the festival. The festival will last for five days from December 9 to December 13. Samrat Sanyal, Chairman, Tourism Wing, Confederation of Indian Industries, North Bengal, said, “Nowadays, many tourists come to the hills even in winter. Organizing various festivals during this time will enrich the tourism industry of Darjeeling Hills.”